How to develop Niger Delta, by lawmaker

House of Representatives member, Hon. Evelyn Oboro, has urged the government and other stakeholders in the Niger Delta region to improve the quality of life of the people. She said the promotion of the public welfare would stop further agitation.

The legislator spoke to reporters at the Atamu Social Club of Nigeria investiture held in Lagos. She said the condition of living in the Niger Delta was still deplorable, urging the government to rise to the occasion. Oboro who represents Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Constituency, said: “I am not satisfied with what I see in the Niger Delta with regard to the welfare of the people. This is not just about the oil from this part of the country but the welfare. They still live in the creeks, their farmlands have been destroyed, they have no homes, they have no good education, they do not even have better environment to live in as human beings.”

The lawmaker noted that people outside the Niger Delta often make sweeping statements without bothering to visit the area to know the true situation. She said: “People have often made various comments to denigrate them but most of us don’t live there and we don’t know what they are passing through. Take a trip to the Niger Delta and you will understand what I am talking about.”

Oboro expressed the hope that the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) would see the light of the day after the heat it had generated.

She added: “A good law from the National Assembly can contribute to the progress of the Niger Delta. You and I know that there are laws but the implementation has always been the problem.”

“The PIB bill some people are kicking against it which is meant to better the oil communities. They should think about it because of what is derived from this area but unfortunately some people are saying no.”

The legislator remarked that the Urhobo community in Nigeria have not been favoured in the distribution of national appointmentsShe added: “Urhobo is the fifth ethnic largest groups in this country and if you look at it critically, we have not had a good number of our people appointed at the national level. But our people have not been disillusioned by this development. They have made strides on their personal enterprises to better their own lots.”

Oboro commended the government for appointing more women in the administration. She urged money to come out massively to participate in politics because women have not disappointed in their calling.

“Most women believe that they could just sit down and begin to wait for men to give them everything. I must say the women must develop themselves and it has to start from the individual. If you develop yourself and position yourself you are fit to contest for elected office.”